SWTD partially resumes boat services between Ernakulam Jetty to Mattancherry

Kochi: After several weeks of standoff between various agencies, state water transport department (SWTD) has partially resumed its boat services to Mattancherry from Ernakulam Jetty."We have resumed boat services. However, since the dredging has not been completed, we could operate the services only during high tide. Most of the services remain cancelled during the low tide," a senior SWTD official said. The services were resumed after the dredging contractor finally removed heavy machinery and poles that were strategically placed to obstruct the mouth of the boat jetty. The contractor allegedly placed these obstructions as a protest against irrigation department over unpaid dues, effectively ‘padlocking' the navigation channel and preventing SWTD vessels from anchoring. The Rs 4 crore dredging initiative — launched to restore the 1,800m channel after severe siltation caused by the 2018 floods — is yet to complete its final phase of work near the jetty. Meanwhile, irrigation department officials indicate that with boat services back in operation and licensing issues with Cochin Port Trust being settled, final dredging could be completed within a month. "For now, the sight of SWTD ferry docked at the jetty is a welcome sign that the gridlock has finally broken. However, only a few services are being conducted. The silt deposit in the navigation channel is turning out to be a major issue. A boat got trapped in the silt and was still stuck near the boat jetty. So, most of the commuters still rely on private buses. The authorities should complete the dredging of the channel at the earliest," said M M Abbas, president, West Kochi Passengers Association. Earlier last week, the passengers' association wrote to the district collector, requesting her intervention in the issue and resume the boat services.